Internet Access as a Universal Right for All: To: The President of the United States, Members of the United States Congress, and State and Local Legislators

Internet Access as a Universal Right for All
To: The President of the United States, Members of the United States Congress, and State and Local Legislators

We, the undersigned citizens, believe that affordable, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity and a basic human right in the 21st century.

In an increasingly digital world, access to the internet is critical for education, employment, healthcare, civic participation, and social connection. The recent expiration of vital programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has left millions of households without the essential connectivity they need, exacerbating the digital divide and creating significant barriers to opportunity for vulnerable populations.

We urge our elected officials to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that every individual in the United States has access to affordable, high-speed internet.

We believe that universal internet access will:

Bridge the Digital Divide: Ensure equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities for all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Stimulate Economic Growth: Empower individuals to find and maintain employment, participate in the gig economy, start businesses, and access critical financial services.

Enhance Educational Outcomes: Provide students of all ages with the tools for online learning, research, and skill development, preparing them for future success.

Improve Healthcare Access: Facilitate telehealth services, access to vital health information, and easier management of medical appointments, particularly in underserved areas.

Strengthen Civic Engagement: Enable informed participation in democratic processes, access to government services, and vital communication during emergencies.

While we understand the complexities and costs involved in expanding and maintaining internet infrastructure, we believe that the societal benefits far outweigh these challenges. Just as we have invested in roads, utilities, and public education, investing in universal internet access is an investment in our collective future and prosperity.

Therefore, we call upon our leaders to:

Fund and establish a permanent, sustainable program to ensure affordable internet access for all low-income households, building upon the lessons learned from previous initiatives.

Invest significantly in expanding high-speed internet infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas, to ensure reliable connectivity nationwide.

Explore innovative public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks that prioritize universal access and affordability over profit.

Recognize and declare internet access as a public utility and a fundamental right, affirming its essential role in modern life.

Your signature on this petition signifies your support for a future where no one is left behind in the digital age. Let's work together to make internet access a right, not a privilege, for every American.